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David Archuleta Wikipedia

David James Archuleta (born December 28, 1990) is an American singer-songwriter and actor. At ten years old, he won the children's division of the Utah Talent Competition leading to other television singing appearances.[6] When he was twelve years old, Archuleta became the Junior Vocal Champion on Star Search 2.[6] In 2007, at sixteen years old, he became one of the youngest contestants on the seventh season of American Idol.[7] In May 2008 he finished as the runner-up, receiving 44 percent of over 97 million votes.

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Archive for the ‘American Idol’ Category

I’m still in awe of the way “Don’t Run Away” smashed it’s way to the top of my listening list since Sat. night. I looked at the lady that was standing next to me taking pictures also and just dropped my jaw! It was a ‘Wow, what is happening here!’ moment. I just stood and shivered when he ended it.

I was so intent in watching his moves with ‘Nunca Pense’ that I really didn’t realize when he ended. :) My Gosh! He put the moves, the swag, and miles on that stage. He hasn’t forgotten how to work the crowd. A little more stage time and he’ll have that fire in his soul, and feet, burning up the stage in a 3-alarm fire!!!

When he did a perfect slide into the high notes on “Mirrors” it was chilling (the good, blueberry ice kind). That’s a fast moving song with a lot of words to fit into a single breath, but he mastered it. He just smooth moved his way into ownership of this song.

And, of course, ‘Glorious’ was glorious. Stephanie Mabey had no idea, when she wrote the song, that somewhere in the future a man would come along and make her song come alive. It’s happened, and we are all witnesses of it!

David had the crowd in control and barely breathing. This man, in finding himself, has created a new crowd of followers. There was no screaming and hollering during his songs, afterwards was a different story. It’s what we’ve dreamed of, and discussed in the past. Let us hear ‘the voice’ and feel the music while he is performing. In slowing himself down and nurturing his needs and his talent, he’s gained the real respect that he deserves. I just can’t get over what I witnessed Saturday night. It was so beautiful.

Yeah, it was worth the squished in the crowd moments…. you have to understand where I’m coming from on that. At my tallest, I’m under 5 foot tall, and large, fast moving, crowds can cause some real apprehensive moments. There are times when I just won’t deal with it. But, then there are those times when I just suck it up and go with the flow. Saturday was one of those times. :D

So how many of you watched American Idol this year? I did. Not because I particularly wanted to, but my husband likes to watch it and wants me to watch it with him.

At one time, it was on my “must see” list. I was a fanatic about the show from the beginning. I could never miss an episode. If I wasn’t going to be home, I’d record it because I HAD to see it. Yep, it was my favorite show. I waited all week for it to come on.

Year after year I watched and recorded. I loved Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, was sad when Katherine McPhee lost, sat scratching my head when Taylor Hicks won, and cheered when Jordan Sparks won. The rest? I don’t really remember anymore. Yep, year after year I watched and chose a favorite, even though I never voted.

Then, in season 7 … David Archuleta showed up.

Well, the little rascal changed everything!! I was cheering. I was voting. And I was ranting about the American public’s lack of good taste when he came in second. (It’s okay. I’ve gotten over it. Mostly.)

But when Season 8 started, it felt like something was missing and it’s been that way ever since. Now I watch it because, unless I really want to tell hubby that it’s just a waste of time because there will never be another David Archuleta on the show, I have to watch. How can I tell him that no one else’s voice makes me feel the music, that no one else’s performance draws me in, that no one else compares, that … well, you get my drift.

I’m left wanting, every time, because there won’t be another David Archuleta on American Idol, ever. He is the first and last contestant that has captured my attention in the way he did, in a way I can’t even explain.

Oh, I know that the contestants were talented. I know that many of them have real potential. Some of them have voices I really like. Some have great voices and actually know what to do with them. I can see it. I can hear it. I just don’t feel it.

It’s okay. You can say it. You can tell me, “There’s lots of talent on the show.” or “You can enjoy more than one singer!” And you’d be right. There was some real talent on AI this year. But no matter how good anyone else is, when compared to David, it leaves me wanting more. When some of the contestants sang, the notes seemed cut off and I wanted to pull just a little bit more out of them. And I didn’t hear the extension of the melody in their voices the way I do with David. Somehow, the lyrics are just words. I’m not drawn in. I find myself merely an observer, critiquing each note, each run, rather than enjoying the performances.

Should I be comparing everyone I hear to David? No. I shouldn’t. But do I? Absolutely. I don’t mean to and I try not to. I just can’t help it. After 5 years of listening to The Voice, how can I not compare? He has spoiled me. Badly.

When David was on Idol, I got excited about his performances. I recorded them and watched them over and over and over. I was left going, “OMG, did you hear that!?!” When David sang, I felt the heart of the song. I loved it. I felt engaged. I was connected to the performance and the song. There were moments when he took my breath away. Watch David Archuleta singing “In This Moment.” When he sang it, I believed him and I was in that moment with him.

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Not since season 7 have I recorded an episode of American Idol. Not since season 7 has anyone made me want to listen more than once. Not since season 7 have I cared enough to vote for another contestant. I guess once you’ve found your Idol, no one else will ever compare.

A good indicator of what’s on our minds and in our hearts reveals itself in the discussions held in The Voice Unplugged on Saturday nights. One of the topics that creates a lot of dialogue and squeeing is The American Idol Tour, Season 7. Yes, it’s been over four years and we’re still talking about it.

I’ll admit that sometimes, I’m the initiator of the discussion. I’ll also admit to incessantly grilling anyone at the mere mention that they’ve been to the tour. But there’s a reason for my madness. After Season 7 was over and the right David was not declared the official winner, I panicked at the thought of never seeing him again. I didn’t get tickets for the Idol Tour; I had too many other obligations. The result is that I am like a sponge; I want to hear every detail, big or small about the tour, about what I missed. I want to feel like l was there! As for tour footage from Season 7, I’m glued to my seat in Unplugged. So, I’ve decided to put my questions out in cyberspace to those of you who were lucky enough to witness his greatness. Thanking you in advance for your comments.

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How did it feel to be in that audience? How about that applause? Sounds thunderous to me. Did you like/love/hate the shiny suit? Did David always come out before and after the show to greet fans and sign autographs? Did you give him a gift? What kind of gift? Did any other idols get gifts? Are there any special moments or stories you’d like to share? What about VIP experiences? Did you take pictures? If you’d like to share them here, send them to thevoiceda@gmail.com and we’ll be glad to post them for you.

Depending on your responses, I promise to behave and never, hardly ever, grill anyone in chat about the Idol Tour again. Mostly. LOL